Sen. Vitter: Healthcare fight not over

Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) on Thursday said that the "battle" over healthcare reform is not yet over despite the Senate's passage of the overhaul in the morning.

Vitter, who joined all 39 present Republicans in voting agains the measure, indicated that Republicans will continue to fight against the bill as it heads into a House-Senate merger conference. In remarks on Twitter, Vitter did not specify how Republicans will proceed to block the legislation:

Disappointed the Senate just passed Obamacare. I voted No! Battle is not over.

The GOP may not have to do much for Vitter to get his wish.

Intraparty divisions have begun to show between the House and Senate Democrats over siginificant differences in the two bills. The House bill contains a public health insurance option favored by liberals and a surtax on the wealthy to fund the bill.

The Senate bill has a national health insurance plan operated by privtae co-ops and contains a excise tax on high-cost plans.

Vitter echoed the sentiments of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) who said on the Senate floor earlier Thursday that the fight over the bill is not over.

"This fight isn’t over. My colleagues and I will work to stop this bill from becoming law," McConnell said. "That’s the clear will of the American people — and we’re going to continue to fight on their behalf."